What does metadata mean?
Metadata is descriptive information about data rather than the data's substantive content. A digital photograph's metadata might identify its format, dimensions, creator, creation date, editing software, and device; a library catalogue record might supply an item's author, publication date, subject, and location. The term is especially common in computing, where metadata is stored alongside files, messages, database records, and other digital objects. In broader research, archives, and publishing, it can describe the history, characteristics, and organization of a work or collection. Metadata is important because it makes information easier to find, interpret, manage, and reuse. It can also carry significant privacy or security implications, since hidden descriptive fields may disclose information that the main content does not reveal. Although metadata historically follows a plural pattern, modern usage generally treats it as a mass noun, with the singular metadatum used only occasionally.
nounMetadata is data that provides information about other data, especially its origin, structure, content, organization, or management. In computing, it commonly describes information associated with a file, database record, digital image, message, or other digital object.
- Information recorded alongside data to describe, identify, organize, manage, or interpret it, especially in computing and digital systems.
- Information about the origins, history, characteristics, or arrangement of a collection, record, work, or body of knowledge.
"The website removes identifying metadata from photographs before publishing them."
"Each item in the archive has metadata recording its date, creator, and physical location."
"The service encrypts message content but retains some delivery metadata for operational purposes."
Metadata is normally an uncountable mass noun. The formal singular metadatum is uncommon, while plural agreement is possible in technical contexts.
"The export contains one metadatum for each field, although many systems simply refer to the fields as metadata."
A file may appear harmless while its metadata quietly records its author, creation time, editing software, and even the device that produced it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metadata come from?
Metadata is a modern formation combining the Greek-derived prefix meta-, meaning after, beyond, or change, with data, from Latin datum, meaning given. The prefix meta- has long been used in English for higher-order relationships, as in metaphysics and metaphor, while data derives from the Latin past participle of dare, to give. The combination entered modern technical use as information systems began distinguishing descriptive or organizational records from the information they described.
Related word forms
How metadata is actually used
Metadata is usually treated as an uncountable mass noun, though metadatum is occasionally used as a formal count singular. The term is most common in computing, information science, archives, and digital publishing. Its privacy implications depend on the kind and sensitivity of the information recorded.
Easily confused with metadata
Data refers to the substantive information or content itself, whereas metadata describes, identifies, organizes, or manages that data.